Hull FC beat Leeds 18-12 as Wigan secure League Leaders' Shield

Hull FC ended their Super League season with an 18-12 victory at second-placed Leeds Rhinos on Friday, a result that helped settle the League Leaders' Shield. According to BBC Sport, Leeds' defeat, combined with Wigan Warriors' 50-12 win over Catalans Dragons, secured the shield for Wigan and left the Rhinos facing questions before their play-off semi-final.

Watch the highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iGmNUdMCGw

Logan Moy put Hull ahead before Chris Hankinson's try brought Leeds level, with the teams reaching half-time at 6-6. Lloyd Kemp restored the visitors' advantage after Leeds failed to execute a short drop-out. Handling mistakes then prevented the home side from drawing level, and Lennon Clark extended Hull's lead. Kallum Watkins scored with three minutes remaining, but the visitors protected their advantage through the closing stages.

Kemp converted all three Hull tries, while Jake Connor kicked two goals for Leeds. Hull's tries all came from young, home-grown players: Kemp is 19, while Moy and Clark are both 21. The victory also gave Tom Briscoe a successful farewell, with the retiring Hull player making his 400th and final Super League appearance.

The result concluded a difficult campaign for Hull, who had won only seven of their previous 26 matches. John Cartwright left as head coach in March after being told his contract would not be extended, and Andy Last took interim charge. During a 12-match losing sequence, the club's owners apologised to supporters in July. Former England coach Steve McNamara is due to take over for the 2027 season.

For Leeds, this was a third successive home defeat after remaining unbeaten at Headingley until August. They have now lost four of their past nine matches. Leading league try-scorer Maika Sivo returned after two months out with a broken arm, but his presence did not prevent another setback. Leeds will host their play-off semi-final on Friday, 25 September.

Leeds coach Brad Arthur told BBC Radio Leeds that his side had created enough opportunities but lacked the execution to finish them, pointing to poor decisions, passing and catching. Last, speaking to BBC Radio Humberside, praised Hull's defensive resilience despite Leeds having the better of possession and field position. He described the season as mentally, emotionally and physically challenging, with the away win providing a positive conclusion.